Greek Life Recruitment FAQs
Every college or university with a Greek life program handles it differently, but many students have false perceptions of fraternities and sororities because of pop culture. It’s important to know the basics of Greek recruitment if you’re interested.
Going in blind can leave a bad impression and worsen your chances of receiving a bid. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the recruitment process for Greek life.
Do I need to go Greek to be social?
In short, of course not. No school has a social scene that is completely controlled by fraternities and sororities, no matter how prevalent they might be on campus.
The influence of Greek life on campus varies, but you can always depend on other social circles and student organizations to have their own get-togethers. Going Greek can add to your social life, but it’s not at all necessary.
How do I find the right chapter?
Before choosing a chapter to rush, you need to ask yourself what you’re looking to gain from joining and what kind of students you want to be close with.
When meeting a member or touring a house, ask about the chapter’s values, the events it puts on and which extracurriculars are popular with the brothers or sisters. Try to get an idea of what each chapter is about before committing to rushing.
What goes into whether someone gets a bid?
The factors that determine whether a potential new member receives a bid can vary from chapter to chapter. As long as you are yourself, you'll find the right chapter for you.
But most Greek organizations agree that friendliness, maturity, leadership, a good sense of humor and a genuine personality make individuals stand out. Study the values emphasized by a chapter before attending a recruitment event.
When I get a bid, am I officially a brother/sister?
Not quite. Fraternities and sororities require you to “pledge” for a certain period of time. As a pledge, you’ll learn more about the organization and possibly complete tasks to build camaraderie or achieve a collective goal.
If you adequately complete the pledging process for several months, you’ll attend an initiation ceremony. Only after initiating do you become an official brother or sister.
How do I ask about hazing?
Hazing can happen on many campuses and although it’s not tied specifically to Greek life, fraternities are often at the center of the terrible accounts. Don’t be afraid to ask members about the pledging process.
Mentioning hazing might throw some members off, but if they don’t give a satisfying answer when you ask about pledging, then feel free to ask if they haze. If you’re avoiding organizations that haze, it’s best to be honest to get an honest answer.
